Guinness World Records Ratifies Truphena Muthoni’s 72-Hour Tree-Hugging Marathon
Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially ratified Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, confirming it as the longest marathon hugging a tree ever recorded.
In a media statement released on Monday, January 26, 2026, Guinness World Records said the record attempt was driven by environmental advocacy and cultural preservation, noting that Muthoni sought to draw attention to the importance of indigenous trees and traditional ecological knowledge.
“Truphena Muthoni’s goal with this record attempt was to elevate and advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and to honour the wisdom of Indigenous peoples,” GWR stated.
The confirmation means Muthoni has extended her own previous world record of 48 hours, which she set in May 2025, by an additional 24 hours. Her latest achievement establishes a new global benchmark and further cements her position in the Guinness World Records archives.
The ratification comes weeks after Muthoni publicly dismissed online claims suggesting her 72-hour tree-hugging attempt had been rejected by Guinness World Records. At the time, she clarified that the verification process was ongoing and urged the public to await official communication from the record-keeping body.
“I am still in communication with Guinness World Records, and the process of ratification is ongoing,” Muthoni said during the period of speculation, addressing concerns raised on social media.
Her persistence has now been rewarded with formal recognition, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty and speculation surrounding the record attempt.
Muthoni’s achievement has attracted widespread attention both locally and internationally, positioning her as a leading voice in environmental conservation advocacy. The milestone also earned her national recognition, culminating in a rare State House meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, where President William Ruto personally acknowledged her contribution to environmental awareness.
During the meeting, President Ruto announced that Muthoni would be appointed an ambassador for the government’s ambitious 15 billion tree-planting campaign, a flagship initiative aimed at restoring forest cover, combating climate change, and safeguarding Kenya’s environmental future.
“Your action has reminded the nation that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility,” President Ruto said at the time, according to a State House statement.
In addition to the ambassadorial role, the President revealed that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) had jointly extended a fully sponsored holiday package to Muthoni and her team. The gesture was described as recognition of the link between environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
With the ratification of her 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, Muthoni joins a growing list of Kenyans who have earned global recognition through Guinness World Records. Historically, Kenya’s presence in the record books has been dominated by elite athletes, including Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, the late Kelvin Kiptum, Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ngetich, and Ian Wambui.
Beyond athletics, other Kenyans have also made their mark. In August 2023, Mombasa-based chef Maliha Mohammed set a Guinness World Record for the longest home kitchen cooking marathon by an individual, cooking continuously for 90 hours and 15 minutes.
Muthoni’s record stands out for its environmental message, highlighting a growing trend of non-athletic, advocacy-driven achievements gaining international recognition. Conservationists say the feat has helped spark renewed public interest in indigenous tree preservation and environmental stewardship across the country.
ALSO READ: KNUT Declares Support for Ruto’s 2027 Bid Following Salary Increments and Teacher Promotions
Guinness World Records Ratifies Truphena Muthoni’s 72-Hour Tree-Hugging Marathon
